CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT KIDÉAL KITAS

I have the opportunity to try things out within my scope of responsibility, which allows me to grow

Carola Hartmann

Professional career:

• 2024 SVEB Certificate – Trainer in the Delivery of Learning Sessions
  2023 Project Management – IPMA Level D Certificate
• 2021 Federal Professional Examination for Team Leaders in Social and Social-Medical Institutions
• 2018-20 Advanced Leadership Training for Team Leaders in Social and   Social-Medical Institutions (Modules 1–5), bke Zurich
• 2017 Vocational Trainer Course – Certificate
• 2015 Bachelor’s degree in «Early Childhood Education»

Carola Hartmann began her career with kidéal Kitas in 2014 as an intern and has since climbed the career ladder rapidly. After holding various positions at the operational level – including Assistant Educator, Group Leader, and Pedagogical Manager – she now works at the kidéal head office, where she is responsible for three areas: «Projects», «Pedagogy & Compliance for the Basel region», and the «Development of the kidéal Academy».

Why and how did you choose a career in childcare?

Childcare was actually just meant to be a stepping stone for me. From early on, I wanted to pursue a career in psychology, specifically in child and adolescent therapy. However, I found the psychology path too theoretical and research-focused, so I decided to study pedagogy instead, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

What led you to do your internship at th eylaa child care center?

At that time, I was studying in Freiburg and needed to complete an internship abroad. My original plan was to do this in Sri Lanka, but the timing didn’t work out. Four months later, I was able to carry out that internship after all. In the meantime, with a limited student budget, I chose to do the required international internship in Switzerland. This allowed me to commute from Freiburg and benefit from the fact that German was spoken.

Did you work in another field before? Did you have other goals?

Initially, my plan after completing my bachelor’s degree was to work as an early childhood educator while pursuing a master’s degree in social work alongside my job. Afterwards, I intended to complete the additional training to become a child and adolescent psychotherapist.

What do you think defines you as a leader, or what do you believe led to your selection for your current position at kidéal?

I would say my greatest strength in a leadership role is my empathy. I am able to put myself in other people’s shoes, listen attentively, and take a genuine interest in their well-being. For me, it is important that we act as a team, and the opinion of an intern holds just as much value as that of a Pedagogical Director. At the same time, I am not afraid to address difficult topics and set clear boundaries when necessary. A cooperative leadership style is something I place great importance.

What motivates you to continue developing your skills?

I simply enjoy learning. I am curious about new things, I like to look beyond the obvious, and I enjoy working on problems or optimising processes.

What values are important to you, and how do they align with kidéal as an employer?

The values most important to me are continuous development, self-determination, respect, and appreciation. In my view, these values are truly lived at kidéal. I have the opportunity to regularly expand my skills and to act independently within my areas of responsibility. I experience respect and appreciation every day, both in the office and out in the centres I work with.

What are your professional goals?

That’s a difficult question. I don’t want to stand still. Even after nine and a half years at kidéal, I still encounter surprises and new challenges in my daily work. For now, that provides me with plenty of variety. I also value the appreciative atmosphere at kidéal. No matter what position I have held, I have always received support whenever I needed it. At the same time, I can explore my abilities within my areas of responsibility and grow as a result. kidéal has always supported me in my annual training courses as well. At the moment, I am very satisfied with my responsibilities. Who knows what the future will bring.

It took me some time to feel confident in my role, but with the support of kidéal, my further training, and my great team, I am proud of what I have achieved so far

Jessica Dias

Professional career:

• 2016 – 2020 Apprenticeship as a Childcare Specialist with Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• 2022 – 2023 Training as a Team Leader in Social and Social-Medical Institutions

Jessica Dias joined kidéal Kitas four years ago as a Site Manager. Today, she is the Pedagogical Manager of the Tagesstrukturen (after school care centre) Brugg, overseeing several sites as well as the additional off-site location in Hausen.

Jessica, you started your career with us in the Tagesstrukturen Brugg four years ago, leading the Stapfer site (Lateinschulhaus) with one group of children. What did you particularly enjoy about your work back then?

After completing my training, I independently managed the group at the Stapfer site and organised the team structure. I especially enjoyed offering the children new ideas and activities to support their individual development. It was important to me that the children actively participated in daily life, whether by helping with shopping or taking on small responsibilities. They clearly enjoyed contributing and taking responsibility. For me, the most fulfilling part was observing each child’s development and accompanying them on a small part of their journey through life.

How did it come about that you are now leading the entire Tagesstern Brugg operation with five sites as well as the off-site location in Hausen?

Already during my job interview for the site manager position, I mentioned that my dream was to one day lead a after school care centre or child care centre as a Pedagogical Manager or Nursery Manager. This ambition has been with me since childhood. When the kidéal team offered me the opportunity to manage the entire Tagesstern operation with several sites, I was thrilled. At the same time, I wondered if I was ready for it, as I had only completed my training as a Childcare Specialist in 2020. But I thought to myself: nothing ventured, nothing gained. Now I’m glad I took that step. It took me some time to feel confident in my role, but with the support of kidéal, my further training, and my great team, I am proud of what I have achieved so far.

Did you have to complete additional training for this role?

Yes. In 2022, I began further training as a Team Leader in Social and Social-Medical Institutions. During this programme and the related courses, I learned a great deal and was able to apply this knowledge directly in my day-to-day work. This training strengthened me not only professionally but also personally, and it helped me to continue developing.

What advice would you give to someone who would like to follow the same path?

My advice to anyone who wants to take this path is to first settle into the daily routines of the organisation and get to know the team and the workflows well. The team leadership programme is very demanding, and it can be challenging to manage both if you are still learning the operations and processes while studying. Having a solid foundation in the organisation makes it much easier to meet the academic requirements successfully.

What are the challenges?

One of the biggest challenges in daily operations is managing staff shortages, especially when I have my own appointments as Pedagogical Manager. In such a large organisation with a big team, it can often be difficult to keep everything running smoothly while still providing the best possible support to the team. However, I am convinced that I would not have come this far without my team. Every staff member plays an important role in making Tagesstern Brugg what it is today. Of course, there are still tasks ahead of us, but overall, we have already achieved a great deal.

What do you particularly enjoy about your role?

What I enjoy most is the variety in my daily work. No two days are the same. While certain things can be planned, there are always unexpected situations that require flexibility and creativity. I also value the balance between organisational tasks and direct work with the children. It is important to me to be regularly present in the groups, whether during everyday activities or at special events we plan throughout the year.

Are there goals you still want to pursue?

At the moment, I am happy with what I have achieved. My goal is to continue improving and developing Tagesstern Brugg to make it an even better organisation. There are still a few things I would like to implement in order to further enhance the quality of our work.

It feels truly rewarding to lead this place as its Manager

Opojare Kolloni

Professional career:

• 2022 – 24 Training as a Team Leader
• Nov 2021 – Dec 2021 Vocational Trainer Course – Certificate
• 2013 – 2016 Apprenticeship as a Childcare Specialist with Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training
• 2011 – 2013 Internship at Kita Chinderstern

Why did you decide to return to Kita Chinderstern Adliswil?

During my apprenticeship as a Childcare Educator, I was able to learn a great deal, gain clarity about my own values, and understand what I wanted from a workplace. After gaining experience elsewhere and applying what I had learned, I realised that I felt most at home here. For me, Kita Chinderstern Adliswil has always been like a home.

Today, you are the Pedagogical Manager at Kita Chinderstern Adliswil. How does it feel, considering you first got a taste of daycare work here as an intern?

It feels truly rewarding to lead this place as its Manager. Even as a Group Leader and later as Deputy Pedagogical Manager, I was able to contribute and implement many ideas. Now, I have full responsibility for the Adliswil centre and can make almost all decisions either independently or together with my team. I have also known the core kidéal team since my very first day as an intern at Kita Chinderstern Adliswil, but today, as Pedagogical Manager, I have an even closer working relationship with them.

How did you become Pedagogical Manager?

I had long wanted to continue developing professionally and take on more responsibility. After discussions with my former supervisor, I decided to complete the training for Pedagogical Manager. When my supervisor chose to pursue a new path, I was offered the position, which I was very happy to accept.

What is the biggest challenge for you as Pedagogical Manager?

Fully embracing the role of Pedagogical Manager and no longer working directly with the children has been an adjustment for me. In addition, I now carry responsibility and have to make decisions, which is something I am still getting used to.

What do you enjoy most about your new role?

What I enjoy most is leading a team and working with parents.

What values are important to you, and how do they align with kidéal as an employer?

It is extremely important to me that every child is seen as an individual and that the well-being of the children is at the centre of our work. kidéal has aligned its pedagogical standards and values precisely with this principle.

How would you describe yourself as a leader, and what do you think your team and your supervisors value most about you — and least?

I am a humorous and fair leader who values every team member. My team likely appreciates my fairness and sense of humour, while my supervisors value my reliability. What I could improve is probably the way I pass on information (laughs mischievously).

What are your professional goals?

I want to strengthen my position as Pedagogical Manager and continue developing in this role. It is important to me to provide an attractive and great workplace for my staff. When my team is happy, this naturally has a positive impact on childcare, and as a result, both children and parents feel comfortable.